15 firearms seized, along with narcotics and cash in a joint investigation between Canadian and American authorities. William Milton Barnes of Saanich faces 11 charges related to importing and trafficking narcotics.
A Saanich man faces numerous drug-related charges after a major investigation by several authorities from both sides of the border.
William Milton Barnes is alleged to have imported and trafficked cocaine, crystal meth and heroin from the United States in an operation police say involved transactions by boat in open B.C and Washington waters.
The investigation called “Operation Shiprider” involved members of the RCMP, Victoria police, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Coast Guard.
More than 55 kilograms of cocaine, over 47 kilograms of crystal meth and over one kilogram of heroin seized in a joint investigation between Canadian and American law enforcement agencies. William Milton Barnes of Saanich faces 11 drug smuggling charges.
In total, officers seized more than 55 kilograms of cocaine, more than 47 kilograms of crystal meth and over one kilogram of heroin.
Police also took 15 firearms, with five handguns, a prohibited large capacity magazine, over $150,000 in cash and two high-speed boats.
Barnes has been charged with three counts of importing narcotics and three of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a handgun, possession of a prohibited device, possession of proceeds for backpack of $150,000 and smuggling under a section of the Customs Act.
Andy Neal
